Honolulu vs Seattle
Hawaii Restricted | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Honolulu, Hawaii | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Seattle has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Seattle has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Honolulu Overview
STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.
Full Honolulu guide →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Honolulu or Seattle?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Seattle?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.